November 24th 2025

BTCC confirms new Qualifying Race regulations

TOCA – organizer of the British Touring Car Championship – has ratified the full regulations surrounding the BTCC Qualifying Race, set to be introduced from the 2026 season.

The final classification of each Qualifying Race on Saturday will determine the grid positions for Sunday’s opening contest, while significant drivers’ championship points will also be available.

A general overview of the Saturday format is provided below:

One 40-minute practice session to take place at approximately 10:30am
One qualifying session set to take place at approximately 2:00pm, split into two qualifying groups of 15 minutes each
The group that includes the fastest set lap time overall will set the odd numbers of the grid for the Qualifying Race and the other group will take the even numbers
There will be a 10-minute gap between the end of the qualifying session and pit lane opening for the Qualifying Race
Qualifying race distance to be approximately 15 minutes in duration (set in advance to the nearest lap count at each particular circuit)
No option tires permitted to be used in the Qualifying Race – only that event’s standard dry/slick tire and/or wet tire may be used
Throughout the qualifying session and race, each car will have the permitted TOCA Turbo Boost (TTB) available as per championship order
Half points from a championship round to be awarded as per the finishing order of the Qualifying Race (rounded up to the nearest whole point where applicable
No manufacturers’/constructors’, teams’, independent drivers’, independent teams’ or Jack Sears Trophy points will be scored in the Qualifying Race
No extra point will be awarded for leading the Qualifying Race or fastest lap
No extra point will be awarded for securing pole position for Race 1

Meanwhile, Sundays will continue to feature the BTCC's long-running format of three full-length races.